Connecting mechanism

ABSTRACT

A method for connecting at least a first component and a second component together, wherein each said component comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components such that the keyways intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and, extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage such that the keys are retained by the keyways of the keyway arrangements. In the slip flange assembly  1001  embodiment shown, the first and second components are each in the form of a pipe ( 1002, 1003 ) or tube, the keyway arrangements are in the form of collars ( 1004, 1008 ) that extend around abutting ends of said pipes ( 1002, 1003 ) or tubes, and the keyway connector ( 1015 ) is annular.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/636,259 filed 11 Dec. 2009, concerns further improvements to theinvention described in the specifications of International PatentApplication No. PCT/AU2008/000839 filed 12 Jun. 2008 and

International Patent Application No, PCT/AU2010/000240 filed 2 Mar.2010, and claims priority of Australian Provisional Application No.2010903642 filed 13 Aug. 2010, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by cross-reference.]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns a method for mechanically connecting two or morecomponents together. In one aspect, the invention concerns componentshaving keyway arrangements and a keyway connector having keys retainableby the keyway arrangements so as to lock the components together to forma secure joint.

Although the components and keyway connector can be made of any suitabletype of material or materials, the invention is particularly suited tojoining components and a keyway connector made of plastics material andwill therefore be chiefly described in that context. Again, it is to beunderstood that the components and keyway connector need not be made ofplastics material and can be made of any suitable material or materialssuited for the intended application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Plastic is a versatile material that can be rotationally cast, injectionmoulded, heated and vacuum or pressure formed and even draped overform-work to make a variety of shapes for various purposes. For massproduction, injection moulding is a preferred method because it is fast,energy efficient and gives more precision of shape and size. It is,however, limiting in that internal cavities can't be made withoutwelding or gluing the components together. For some plastics, especiallythose in the polyolefin group like the very popular polypropylene,gluing is not normally successful, so welding or using mechanicalcompression fittings and seals is the only real joining alternative.Compression fittings are limited in how big they can be in practicebecause of expense. They are also predominantly used for standard sizedpipe as making compression fittings for the variety of shapes requiredfor consumer items is not practical. Even if it were practical for smallitems, moulded compression fittings are not practical nor cost effectivefor large plastic pails, so in these circumstances fabrication andwelding is the only realistic alternative.

Several methods of welding are practiced. Butt welding involves cuttingand cleaning both surfaces to be joined and then heating them beforethey are pushed together while still molten. This type of joint canleave an internal weld bead which is difficult to remove and can causeragging that could lead to blockages when used for sewer pipelines.Fusion welding, where fittings have electrical resistance wire builtinto the components to melt the plastic, is also popular. Fusion jointscan be pushed together whilst clean, then electrical energy is used toheat the bonding surfaces of the joint to fuse the parts together and soachieve a good seal. Other forms of welding include ultrasonic and hotair welding and both are time consuming and require specialist equipmentand skills to bond joints successfully and safely. All forms of weldingcan produce toxic fumes and require good ventilation or breathingapparatus to be worn.

This significantly limits the uses to which plastics could otherwise beput, because it is time consuming and expensive to fabricate goodquality joints on large components. Also, getting smooth curves whencold bending plastics for fabricated components is problematic and so isseldom done commercially.

Drums and pails are commonly used for the storage of hazardous or messyliquids and powders. They must have positive seals that are robust, evenwhen dropped. Commonly used bucket type clips are prone to leakage, havea limited shelf life and once opened are no longer very effective.Threads provide a positive joining method but are expensive to mould,especially on large plastic components, and if they become too largethey are very difficult to undo or tighten in real world conditions.Threads also are limited to use on circular joint face profiles withplanar joint faces.

The present inventors have now developed a general connecting method forconnecting two or more components together which may be made of plasticsmaterial or of any other suitable type of material. Described herein arefurther improvements in the connecting mechanism described in thespecifications of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/636,259, InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/AU2008/000839 and International PatentApplication No. PCT/AU2010/000240 In one or more embodiments theconnecting mechanism minimises or overcomes one or more of thecomponent-joining problems referred to above.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method for connecting at least a first component and a secondcomponent together, wherein each said component comprises at least onekeyway arrangement having one or more keyways extending along thecomponent, said method comprising the steps of:

aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components suchthat the keyways provide a keyway passage extending longitudinallybetween the keyways; and

extending a keyway connector longitudinally within the keyway passagesuch that the keyway connector engages the keyways of the keywayarrangements to lock the first and second components together.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method for connecting at least a first component and a secondcomponent together, wherein each said component comprises at least onekeyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of thekeyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another, said methodcomprising the steps of:

aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components suchthat the keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passage extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and

extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keyslongitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys engage thekeyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the first and secondcomponents together.

The present invention also relates to at least a first component, asecond component and a keyway connector as defined above when used forthe method according to the first or second aspects.

Each keyway arrangement and its keyway/s may extend along each componentor a remainder/body of each component in any suitable way. For instance,the keyway arrangement may extend along a face, surface, edge, perimeterand/or periphery of the component. The form of each keyway arrangementwill depend on the nature of each component and how they are to beconnected to one another.

Each component and keyway arrangement may be of any suitable size, shapeand construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials.The component and keyway arrangement may be planar, angular, bent,arcuate, convex, concave, annular, tubular (circular or non-circular),discoid, conical, tapered, cylindrical, rectangular or of any othersimple or complex geometry. Each component and keyway arrangement mayconsist of metal, an alloy, plastics material, ceramics or rubber,including steel or polyurethane, or any combination of these. The keywayarrangement and component/remainder of the component need not be made ofthe same material or materials.

Each keyway arrangement may comprise any suitable number of keyways andthe keyways may be of any suitable size, shape and construction,provided that they can engage and preferably retain the keys of thekeyway connector so as to lock the components together to form a securejoint. In a preferred embodiment, each keyway is in the form of a hookand each key is shaped so as to be retained by the hook.

Each keyway may have a connector-support portion and a key-retainingportion. The connector-support portion may extend beneath the keywayconnector and the key-retaining portion may extend around a key. Thekey-retaining portion may be arcuate, angular or both.

Each keyway arrangement may comprise series of individual keyways or abody and keyway/s extending from the body. The keyway arrangement maycomprise a body, for example, in the form of a planar, tubular, arcuateor annular strip or ring, and the keyways may extend from the body alonga length of the body. The body and/or keyway/s, if annular or tubular,may be conical or tapered. The keyways may have the general appearanceof a sine, square, triangle or sawtooth waveform, having both peaks andtroughs. One or more of the troughs may support the connector supportportion of an intermeshed keyway. The keyways may extend from one orboth longitudinal sides of the body.

The keyways of the keyway arrangements may intermesh with one another inany suitable way. If first and second components are to be connectedtogether, then each keyway of the first component may be locatedimmediately adjacent a keyway of the second component.

More than two components may be connected together. For instance, iffirst, second and third components are to be connected together, thenthe keyway of one component may be flanked by a respective keyway ofeach other component, although this need not necessarily be the sequenceof keyways.

Each component may have more than one keyway arrangement extending alongthe component. This would allow a component to be directly connected totwo or more other components at the same time, thus enabling an endlessnumber of complex structures to be assembled.

Each keyway arrangement may be connectable, permanently connected ordetachably connected to a component or remainder/body of the component,and this may be achieved in any suitable way. For instance, the keywayarrangement body may be receivable within a groove, pocket or a fold ofthe component. Alternatively, or additionally, the keyway arrangementmay be welded, fused, melted, glued, nailed, screwed or otherwiseadhered, affixed or fastened to the component or remainder of thecomponent. The keyway arrangement and component or remainder of thecomponent may be of unitary construction.

The keyway connector may be of any suitable size, shape andconstruction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. Thekeyway connector may consist of metal, an alloy, plastics material,ceramics or rubber, including steel or polyurethane, or any combinationof these. The keyway connector need not be made of the same material asthe first and second components/keyway arrangements. The keywayconnector may be of unitary construction or may comprise two or moredetachably connected pieces. An end of a first keyway connector piecemay interference fit with an end of an adjacent second keyway connectorpiece. Alternatively, one end of an annular keyway connector mayinterference fit with the other end of the same connector (ie. asplit-ring structure).

Preferably, the keyway connector has an elongate body and, for theconnection of two components, the keys extend laterally off the bodyfrom opposite sides of the body. The keyway connector body may be in theform of a planar, tubular, arcuate or annular strip or ring, and thekeys may extend from the body along a length of the body. The bodyand/or keyways, if annular or tubular, may be conical or tapered.

In one embodiment, a single key may extend laterally off each opposingside of the body. In another embodiment, each side of the body may havea plurality of keys extending within the same plane and the keys may bespaced apart from one another in accordance with the spacing of thekeyways, and the position of the keys may alternate from one side of thebody to the other along a length of the body. With the keys in thisarrangement, the keys may be slid into locking engagement with thekeyways or slid out of locking engagement with the keyways. If thekeyways are in the form of hooks, then the keyway connector may beremoved from the keyway passage in a lateral direction between theintermeshed hooks when not in locking engagement with the keyways.

The keyways and keyway connector may engage so that they may releasablyunlocked or they may engage so that they cannot be unlocked withoutdestroying the joint. This may be achieved in any suitable way. They mayalso engage such that the keyway connector can be reversibly fixed orheld to prevent it accidentally unlocking with stress cycling. A loftedkeyway profile or lofted keyway connector profile may be used to achievethis or alternatively any number of other methods that will be obviousto those skilled in the art may be used, e.g. notches, positive-lockarrangement, insertable keys, tabs, grub screws or other methods.

The keys of the keyway connector may simply interference fit with thekeyways and/or the keyway connector may be used as a cam lock. If thelatter, the keyway connector may be rotated relative to its longitudinalaxis between locking and unlocking positions. In the unlocking position,the keyway connector may be inserted into the keyway passage and bemovable relative to the keyways, and in the locking position the keys ofthe keyway connector may forcefully engage the keyways. Moving thekeyway connector between the locking and unlocking positions may involverotating the keyway connector through an angle of about 90° relative toits longitudinal axis.

The keyway connector may comprise a handle, lobe or grip surfaceextending from or along the body. The connector may have any suitabletype of handle. Preferably, the handle extends almost the length of thebody but for some applications it may be located at or near one end orboth ends. The handle may have openings for fingers or other toolslocated between an upper surface of the handle and an upper surface ofthe body. The handle may be removable or engage with a variety ofgripping surfaces that can be formed onto a suitable face of the keywayconnector.

Alternatively or additionally, the keyway connector may comprise astructural component extending from or along the body. This structuralcomponent may be, for example, planar, angular, bent, arcuate, convex,concave, annular, discoid, conical, tapered, cylindrical, rectangular,rounded or of any other simple or complex geometry. This structuralcomponent may connect with another said component. The structuralcomponent may provide a decorative finish and/or a barrier.

The keyway connector may further comprise one or more travel stops orsimilar integrated mechanisms extending from the keyway connector body,for restricting the degree of longitudinal movement of the body withinthe keyway passage.

The method may comprise the step of connecting the components togetherusing a further connecting mechanism. Such a mechanism may includemating male and female regions, such as, for example, a key and keywayarrangement, a tongue and groove arrangement, a pin and hole arrangementand so forth being located between abutting faces or edges of thecomponents.

The method may further comprise the step of introducing a sealing memberbetween the components before connecting them together, so as to renderthe connection fluid-tight (including water tight and/or air-tight). Anysuitable type of sealing member may be used (e.g. a gasket or O-ring). Asealing member may be extended along abutting faces or edges of thecomponents either as a loose fit or temporarily or permanently fixed,bonded, fused, adhered or attached by any other suitable means to theabutting faces or edges of the components.

Alternatively, abutting faces or edges of the components themselves maybe shaped to provide a sealing function. For example, one or more of thecomponents may have an integrally formed (eg. moulded) sealing member.

In a first embodiment, the first component is in the form of a containerand the second component is in the form of a closure for the container.The keyway arrangements may extend along a circumference of thecontainer and closure, and the keyway connector may be annular.

In a second embodiment, the first component is in the form of acylindrical wall section of a tank and the second component is in theform of discoid base connectable to the wall section of the tank. Thekeyway arrangements may extend along a circumference of the wall sectionand base, and the keyway connector may be annular. In this embodiment, athird component in the form of a cylindrical wall section of the tankmay be connectable to a free end of the other wall section, again by wayof an annular keyway connector.

In a third embodiment, the first and second components are in the formof panels or beams that are connectable edge to edge or face to facesuch that they extend substantially in the same plane or at differentangles relative to one another. The keyway arrangements may extend alongan edge or face of each panel or beam, and a body of the keywayconnector may be longitudinal. In this embodiment, any suitable numberof additional panels or beams may be connected to the first and secondcomponents so as to form, for example, floors, form-work, scaffolding,architectural beams and other types of building elements.

In a fourth embodiment, the components are in the form of pipes orgeneral tubular members that are connectable end to end. Each keywayarrangement may extend along a circumference of the pipe or tubular orconical member at or adjacent the pipe end or tubular or conical memberend that is to be connected. The components may be of the same diameteror of differing diameter, and one or more of the components may beconical or tapered. The pipe or tubular member may have a circular ornon-circular cross-section, including a rectangular, triangular,hexagonal or octagonal cross-section. One or more of the components mayhave a flanged end.

The keyway arrangement may comprise a body in the form of an arcuate,tubular or annular strip or ring, and the keyways may extend from thebody along a length of the body. The keyways may have the appearance ofa sine, square, triangle or sawtooth waveform, having both peaks andtroughs. The keyways may extend from one or both longitudinal sides ofthe body.

The keyway arrangement may be permanently connected or detachablyconnected to the pipe or tubular member or a remainder of the pipe ortubular member, and this may be achieved in any suitable way. Forinstance, the keyway arrangement body may be of integral/unitaryconstruction with the pipe or tubular member. For instance, the keywayarrangement body may be receivable within or retainable by a groove orfold of the pipe or tubular member. For instance, the keyway arrangementbody may be connectable to or otherwise engageable with a flange of thepipe or tubular member. Alternatively, or additionally, the keywayarrangement may be welded, fused, melted, glued, nailed, screwed orotherwise adhered, affixed or fastened to the pipe or tubular member orremainder of the pipe or tubular member.

The keyway connector may comprise an arcuate, annular, tubular or ringbody or a split ring body or multi-piece body, and keys of the keywayconnector may be spaced along a circumference of the keyway connectorbody. The keys may be slid between adjacent keyways of the keywayarrangements and rotated into locking engagement with the keyways. Thekeys may extend generally in line with a central axis of the arcuate,annular or ring body and/or the keys may extend generally or otherwisepoint radially relative to a central axis of the body. The keywayconnector may be able to ride over the keyways when the keyway connectoris being inserted into the continuous keyway passage. In one embodiment,the keys are spaced apart by curved recessed sections that help thekeyway connector ride over keyways when the keyway connector is beinginserted into the continuous keyway passage.

The first and second components may each be in the form of a pipe ortube having a flanged end with the keyway arrangements extending aroundand over abutting flanged ends of said pipes or tubes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedan assembly comprising at least a first component, a second componentand a keyway connector, wherein each said component comprises at leastone keyway arrangement having one or more keyways extending along thecomponent, wherein the keyway arrangements of the first and secondcomponents are aligned such that the keyways provide a keyway passageextending longitudinally between the keyways, and the keyway connectorextends longitudinally within the keyway passage so as to lock the firstand second components together.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan assembly comprising at least a first component, a second componentand a keyway connector, wherein each said component comprises at leastone keyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of thekeyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another, wherein the keywayarrangements of the first and second components are aligned such thatthe keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passage extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways, and the keyway connectorcomprises an arrangement of keys and extends longitudinally within thekeyway passage such that the keys engage the keyways of the keywayarrangements to lock the first and second components together.

The components, keyway assemblies and keyway connector of the assemblymay be as described above.

According to a preferred form of the present invention, there isprovided a method for connecting at least a first component and a secondcomponent together, wherein each said component comprises a keywayarrangement extending along a body of the component and keyways of thekeyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another but connected tothe body of the components to be joined, said method comprising thesteps of:

aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components suchthat the keyways intermesh to provide a series of opposing keywaysforming a keyway passage extending longitudinally between laterallyjuxtapositioned intermeshed keyways; and

inserting a keyway connector comprising a corresponding arrangement ofkeys longitudinally within the keyway passage such that when the keywayconnector is moved longitudinally in the keyway passage the keys engagewith and are retained by the keyway passage of the keyway arrangementsand at the same time force the keyways apart laterally and so tighteningjointing surfaces of the bodies.

The components and keyway connector may be as described above.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method for connecting at least a first component and a secondcomponent together, wherein at least the first said component comprisestwo or more spaced apart keyway arrangements, with each said arrangementhaving one or more keyways extending along the component that provide akeyway passage extending longitudinally between the keyways, said methodcomprising the steps of:

extending part of the second component within the keyway passage; and

extending a keyway connector longitudinally within the keyway passagesuch that the keyway connector engages the keyways of the keywayarrangements to lock the first and second components together.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan assembly comprising at least a first component, a second componentand a keyway connector, wherein at least the first said componentcomprises two or more spaced apart keyway arrangements, with each saidarrangement having one or more keyways extending along the componentthat provide a keyway passage extending longitudinally between thekeyways, wherein part of the second component extends within the keywaypassage, and the keyway connector extends longitudinally within thekeyway passage so as to lock the first and second components together.

The components and keyway connector of the method and assembly may be asdescribed above. The assembly may be as described above.

One or both of the keyway arrangements may have keyways spaced apartfrom one another (ie. castellated). Alternatively, one of the keywayarrangements may have castellated keyways and the other keywayarrangement may have a single keyway (ie. non-castellated).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for connecting at least a first component and a secondcomponent together, wherein each said component has at least one keywayarrangement extending along the component and keyways of the keywayarrangement are spaced apart from one another, said method comprisingthe steps of:

aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components suchthat the keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passage extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and

extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keyslongitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys engage thekeyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the first and secondcomponents together,

wherein the first and second components are each in the form of a pipeor tubular member with the keyway arrangements extending around abuttingends of said pipes or tubular members, and the keyway connector isannular.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an assembly comprising at least a first component, a secondcomponent and a keyway connector, wherein each said component comprisesat least one keyway arrangement extending along the component andkeyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another,wherein the keyway arrangements of the first and second components arealigned such that the keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passageextending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways, and the keywayconnector comprises an arrangement of keys and extends longitudinallywithin the keyway passage such that the keys engage the keyways of thekeyway arrangements to lock the first and second components together,

wherein the first and second components are each in the form of a pipeor tubular member with the keyway arrangements extending around abuttingends of said pipes or tubular members, and the keyway connector isannular.

In one embodiment, the first and second components may each be in theform of a pipe or tube having a non-flanged end with the keywayarrangements extending around and over abutting ends of said pipes ortubular members.

In another embodiment, the first and second components may each be inthe form of a pipe or tube and only one of the pipes or tubes has aflanged end, and the keyway arrangements extend around and over abuttingends of said pipes or tubular members.

In yet another embodiment, the first and second components may each bein the form of a pipe or tube having a flanged end with the keywayarrangements extending around and over abutting flanged ends of saidpipes or tubular members.

Each said keyway arrangement may comprise a body in the form of a collaror ring that is permanently connected or connectable to said pipe ortubular member. The keyway arrangement may be welded, fused, melted,glued, nailed, screwed or otherwise adhered, affixed or fastened to thecomponent. The respective keyway arrangement and component may be ofunitary construction.

Each said keyway arrangement may comprise a body in the form of a collarthat is detachable from said pipe or tubular member. This may beachieved by way of mating male and female regions, such as, for example,a key and keyway arrangement, a tongue and groove arrangement, a pin andhole arrangement and so forth.

The keyways may extend from a length of the keyway arrangement body. Thekeyways may have the general appearance of a sine, square, triangle orsawtooth waveform, having both peaks and troughs.

Each said keyway may comprises a connector-support portion and akey-retaining portion, the connector-support portion extending beneaththe keyway connector and the key-retaining portion extending around asaid key.

Each said keyway may be in the form of a hook and each said key may beshaped so as to be retained by the hook.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method for connecting at least a first component and a secondcomponent together, wherein each said component comprises at least onekeyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of thekeyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another, said methodcomprising the steps of:

aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components suchthat the keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passage extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and

extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keyslongitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys engage thekeyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the first and secondcomponents together,

wherein the first and second components are each in the form of a panelor beam with the keyway arrangements extending along abutting edges orfaces of said panels or beams, and the keyway connector is elongate.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is providedan assembly comprising at least a first component, a second componentand a keyway connector, wherein each said component comprises at leastone keyway arrangement extending along the component and keyways of thekeyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another, wherein the keywayarrangements of the first and second components are aligned such thatthe keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passage extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways, and the keyway connectorcomprises an arrangement of keys and extends longitudinally within thekeyway passage such that the keys engage the keyways of the keywayarrangements to lock the first and second components together,

wherein the first and second components are each in the form of a panelor beam with the keyway arrangements extending along abutting edges orfaces of said panels or beams, and the keyway connector is elongate.

Each said keyway arrangement may comprise a body in the form of a stripthat is permanently connected or connectable to said panel or beam. Thekeyway arrangement may be welded, fused, melted, glued, nailed, screwedor otherwise adhered, affixed or fastened to the component. Therespective keyway arrangement and panel or beam may be of unitaryconstruction.

Each said keyway arrangement may comprise a body in the foam of a stripthat is detachable from said panel or beam. This may be achieved by wayof mating male and female regions, such as, for example, a key andkeyway arrangement, a tongue and groove arrangement, a pin and holearrangement and so forth. For example, the strip may be locatable withina retaining groove or fold in said panel or beam, or may be weaklyadhered to said component.

The keyways may extend from a length of the keyway arrangement body. Thekeyways may have the general appearance of a sine, square, triangle orsawtooth waveform, having both peaks and troughs.

Each said keyway may comprise a connector-support portion and akey-retaining portion, the connector-support portion may extend beneaththe keyway connector and the key-retaining portion may extend around asaid key.

Each said keyway may be in the form of a hook and each said key may beshaped so as to be retained by the hook.

The invention also concerns a connecting mechanism for connectingcomponents together (or a component to itself).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a connecting mechanism comprising:

a first keyway arrangement connectable to a component and comprisingkeyways spaced apart from one another;

a second keyway arrangement connectable to a component and comprisingkeyways spaced apart from one another; and

a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keys,

wherein the first and second keyway arrangements are alignable such thatthe keyways intermesh to provide a keyway passage extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways, and the keyway connectoris extendable longitudinally within the keyway passage such that thekeys engage the keyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the first andsecond keyways and keyway connector together.

The (first and second) keyway arrangements and keyway connector can beas described above in respect of the other aspects of the invention.

The first and second keyway arrangements can be connectable to anysuitable type of component, including any of those described above inrespect of the other aspects of the invention. The keyway arrangementsmay be connected to different components or to the same (common)component.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will now bedescribed by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of various components of acontainer in the form of a tank, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is the same as FIG. 1 except that the tank has been partiallyassembled whereby two of the components have been brought into contactwith one another;

FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 2 except that all of the components have beenbrought into contact with one another, but have yet to be properlylocked together;

FIG. 4 is a close-up view of part of the tank shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is the same as FIG. 3 except that all of the components have beenlocked together (curved joint);

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of part of the assembled tank shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector, according toanother embodiment of the present invention (curved joint);

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the connected panel componentsshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the connected panel components shown inFIG. 7 (curved joint);

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the connected panel components shownin FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two flat panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector (flat joint),according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector (recessed flatjoint), according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector (recessed flatjoint providing a substantially continuous panel surface), according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is the same as FIG. 13, except in an unlocked configuration

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector (corner joint),according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is the same as FIG. 15, except in an unlocked configuration;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents in the process of being connected together (corner joint),according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a container assembly comprising twocuboid container halves ready to be connected together (flat joint),according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a container assembly comprising acontainer base and closure connected together with keyway connectors(flat joint), according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a hemispherical reflector housingconnected to a discoid part with a keyway connector (curved joint),according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a complex structure assembled using theconnecting mechanism of the present invention (various joints);

FIG. 22 shows different shaped keys and keyways (including perspectiveviews and cross sections), according to other embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one or more keyway connectors extendingwithin a continuous keyway passage;

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector, according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two panelcomponents connected together with a keyway connector, according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two arcuatecomponents connected together with keyway connectors, according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising two componentsin the process of being connected together with a keyway connector,according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of that shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of that shown in FIG. 27 except that thetwo components have been connected together with the keyway connector(wing brace joint);

FIG. 30 is another perspective view of that shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a slip flange assembly for connectingflanged ends of two pipes together, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 32 is the same as FIG. 31 except that only one part of the slipflange assembly is shown positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 33 is the same as FIG. 32 except that two parts of the slip flangeassembly are shown positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 34 is the same as FIG. 33 except that a further part of the slipflange assembly is shown positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 35 is the same as FIG. 34 except that all of the parts of the slipflange assembly are positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 36 is the same as FIG. 35 except that the slip flange assembly hasbeen configured to lockingly connect the pipes together;

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a slip flange assembly for connecting twopipes together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is the same as FIG. 37 except that only two parts of the slipflange assembly are shown connected to the pipes;

FIG. 39 is the same as FIG. 38 except that a further part of the slipflange assembly is shown positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 40 is the same as FIG. 39 except that a further part of the slipflange assembly is shown positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 41 is the same as FIG. 40 except that it shows a further part ofthe slip flange assembly being positioned around the pipes;

FIG. 42 is the same as FIG. 41 except that the slip flange assembly isbeing configured to lockingly connect the pipes together (in thedirection of the arrow);

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of part of a panel assembly, according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is the same as FIG. 43 except that part of a further panelassembly is shown;

FIG. 45 is the same as FIG. 44 except that a further part of a panelassembly is shown;

FIG. 46 is the same as FIG. 45 except that two parts of a panel assemblyhave been connected together;

FIG. 47 is the same as FIG. 46 except that a further part of a panelassembly is shown; and

FIGS. 48 to 50 are the same as FIG. 47 except that a further part of apanel assembly is shown, said part being moved from a position shown inFIG. 48 to a final locking position shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 51 is an exploded view of a slip flange assembly for connectingflanged ends of two pipes together, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 52 is the same as FIG. 51 except that the parts of the slip flangeassembly are shown partially connected together;

FIG. 53 is the same as FIG. 52 except that the slip flange assembly isshown in a final locking position;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a collar of the assembly shown in FIG.51;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of part of a panel assembly, according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 56 is the same as FIG. 55 except that the parts of the assembly arein the process of being connected together;

FIG. 57 is the same as FIG. 56 except that the assembly is shown in afinal locking position;

FIG. 58 is an exploded view of a connecting mechanism comprising twokeyway arrangements and a keyway connector for connecting two tubularmembers together, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 59 is the same as FIG. 58 except showing parts of the connectingmechanism connected together;

FIG. 60 is a side view of each keyway arrangement shown in FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is an end view of each keyway arrangement shown in FIG. 60;

FIG. 62 shows the connecting mechanism of FIG. 58 in the process ofconnecting two tubular members together;

FIG. 63 is the same as FIG. 62 but showing the connecting mechanism ofFIG. 58 connecting the two tubular members together;

FIG. 64 is an exploded view of a panel assembly comprising two panelseach having a connecting mechanism comprising two keyway arrangements,and a keyway connector, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 65 is the same as FIG. 64 except showing the panels and connectingmechanism connected together;

FIG. 66 is a top plan view of each panel/keyway arrangement shown inFIG. 64;

FIG. 67 is a side view of each panel/keyway arrangement shown in FIG.64;

FIG. 68 is an end view of each panel/keyway arrangement shown in FIG.64.

FIG. 69 is an exploded view of a connecting mechanism comprising twokeyway arrangements and a keyway connector for joining two planarcomponents together and to mask the joint with a decorative finish,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 70 is an end perspective view of the connecting mechanism of FIG.69 when assembled.;

FIG. 71 is an end view of the connecting mechanism of FIG. 69 whenassembled.;

FIG. 72 is an exploded view of a connecting mechanism comprising twokeyway arrangements and a keyway connector for joining two componentstogether at 90 degrees and to mask the joint with a decorative finish,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the connecting mechanism of FIG. 72when assembled; and

FIG. 74 is an end view of the connecting mechanism of FIG. 72 whenassembled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features.

FIG. 1 shows part of a water tank comprising a cylindrical wall section1, a discoid base 2 and a keyway connector 3. Preferably the tank ismade of plastics material, although this need not be the case. A keywayarrangement 8 extends along a circumference of an upper end of the wallsection 1 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 9. Akeyway arrangement 10 also extends along a circumference of a lower endof the wall section 1 and comprises a plurality of regularly spacedkeyways 11 (only some of which have been labeled).

Likewise, a keyway arrangement 12 extends along a circumference of thebase 2 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 13 (onlysome of which have been labeled).

The keyway connector 3 comprises an annular body 20, keys 21 (only someof which have been labeled) extending from one side of the body 20, keys22 (only some of which have been labeled) extending from an oppositeside of the body 20, and a handle 23 generally extending from the body20 between the keys 21, 22. The keyway connector 3 is preferably made offlexible plastics material.

Keys 21 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 21 matches the spacing of keyways 13. Keys22 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 22 matches the spacing of keyways 11. Key21 and 22 are off-set relative to one another along a length of the body20 in the same manner as keyways 11 and 13 when intermeshed.

Each keyway 9, 12, 13 is in the form of a hook clip having aconnector-support portion 14 a, 14 b, 14 c and a key-retaining portion15 a, 15 b, 15 e. Each key-retaining portion 15 b, 15 c may extendaround a key 21, 22 of the keyway connector 3. Key-retaining portions 15b and 15 c mesh externally of the wall section 1. Key-retaining portion15 a would mesh with keyways of another component internally of the wallsection 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the keyways 11, 13 of the keyway arrangements 10, 12can intermesh with one another such that each keyway 11 is straddled bytwo keyways 13. Keyways 11 and 13 intermesh to provide a continuouskeyway passage 25 (indicated by a broken line) extending longitudinallybetween the intermeshed keyways 11, 13.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the keyway connector 3 is insertablelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage 25 when the keys 21,22 are not positioned directly atop the keyways 11, 13. Once inserted,each connector-support portion 14 b, 14 c extends beneath the keywayconnector 3 and each key-retaining portion 15 b, 15 c is potentiallypositioned to extend around a key 21, 22. This is best seen in FIG. 4.

Once the keyway connector 3 extends within the passage 25, it can beslid relative to the keyways 11, 13 until the keys 21, 22 engage thekeyways 11, 13 and are retained by the keyways 11, 13 so as to lock thewall section 1 and base 2 together and to form a secure curved joint.This is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. To disconnect the wall section 1 fromthe base 2, the keyway connector 3 is slid within the passage 25 untilthe keys 21, 22 no longer engage the keyways 11, 13, as seen in FIGS. 3and 4.

If required, another wall section like section 1 or a lid like base 2may be connected to the upper region of wall section 1 by way of keywayarrangement 8. However, since the keyways 9 of keyway arrangement 8 faceinwardly, a keyway connector would extend circumferentially within theinterior of the tank.

It can be seen from FIGS. 2-6 that keyways 13 are fully backed by thelower region of wall section 1 and that keyways 11 are fully backed by aperipheral region of base 2 and so are inherently strong as most of thestress is resolved into tensile forces and bending moment byprestressing the keyways 11, 13 through the strongest central point ofboth the keyways 11, 13 and keyway connector 3, so minimizing the shearforces which for most materials are the weakest structural property.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 10, there is shown a panel assembly 30comprising an upper panel component 31, a lower panel component 32 and akeyway connector 33. Preferably the assembly 30 is made of plasticsmaterial, although this need not be the case. A keyway arrangement 34extends along an upper edge of the upper panel 31 and comprises aplurality of regularly spaced keyways 35. A keyway arrangement 37 alsoextends along a lower edge of the upper panel 31 and comprises aplurality of regularly spaced keyways 38.

Likewise, a keyway arrangement 40 extends along an upper edge of thelower panel 32 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 41.A keyway arrangement 42 also extends along a lower edge of the lowerpanel 32 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 43.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the keyway connector 33 comprises alongitudinal body 45, keys 46 extending from one side of the body 45,keys 47 extending from an opposite side of the body 45, and a handle 48generally extending from above the body 45 between the sides of the body45.

Keys 46 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 46 matches the spacing of keyways 41. Keys47 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 47 matches the spacing of keyways 38. Keys46 and 47 are off-set relative to one another along a length of the body45 in the same manner as keyways 38 and 41 when intermeshed.

Each keyway 38, 41 is in the form of a hook having a connector-supportportion 50 a, 50 b and a key-retaining portion 51 a, 51 b. Eachkey-retaining portion 51 a, 51 b may extend around a key 46, 47.

The keyways 38, 41 can intermesh with one another such that each keyway41 is straddled by two keyways 38 of the other arrangement. Keyways 38and 41 intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage 54 extendinglongitudinally between the intermeshed keyways 38, 41 (see FIG. 10).

The keyway connector 33 can be inserted laterally and slidelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage 54. Once inserted,each connector-support portion 50 a, 50 b extends beneath the keywayconnector 33 and the key-retaining portion 51 a, 51 b is potentiallypositioned to extend around a key 46, 47. This is best seen in FIGS. 9and 10.

Once the keyway connector 33 extends within the passage 54, it can beslid relative to the keyways 38, 41 until the keys 46, 47 engage thekeyways 38, 41 and are retained by the keyways 38, 41 so as to lock thepanels 31, 32 together to form a simple tight joint. To disconnect panel31 from panel 32, the keyway connector 33 is slid within the passage 54until the keys 46, 47 no longer engage the keyways 38, 41.

If required, another panel component may be connected to the upperregion of panel 31 by way of keyway arrangement 34/keyways 35 or to thelower region of panel 32 by way of keyway arrangement 42/keyways 43, asdescribed above.

It can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10 that keyways 38 are fully backed bythe upper region of panel 32 and that keyways 41 are fully backed by thelower region of panel 31, and so are inherently strong for the reasonsdescribed above for the tank.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown a panel assembly 130 comprisinga first substantially flat panel component 131, a substantially flatsecond panel component 132 and a keyway connector 133. Preferably theassembly 130 is made of plastics material, although this need not be theease. A keyway arrangement 134 extends along a joining edge of the firstpanel 131 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 135.

Likewise, a keyway arrangement 140 extends along a joining edge of thesecond panel 132 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways141.

The keyway connector 133 comprises a longitudinal body 145, keys 146extending from one side of the body 145 and keys 147 extending from anopposite side of the body 145.

Keys 146 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 146 matches the spacing of keyways 141.Keys 147 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 147 matches the spacing of keyways 135.Keys 146 and 147 are off-set relative to one another along a length ofthe body 145 in the same manner as keyways 135 and 141 when intermeshed.

Each keyway 135, 141 is in the form of a hook having a connector-supportportion and a key-retaining portion (as described in respect of FIGS.7-10). Each key-retaining portion may extend around a key.

The keyways 135, 141 can intermesh with one another such that eachkeyway 141 is straddled by two keyways 135 of the other arrangement.Keyways 135 and 141 intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passageextending longitudinally between the keyways 135, 141.

The keyway connector 133 can be inserted laterally and slidelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage. Once inserted, eachconnector-support portion extends beneath the keyway connector 133 andthe key-retaining portion is potentially positioned to extend around akey 146, 147.

Once the keyway connector 133 extends within the passage, it can be slidrelative to the keyways 135, 141 until the keys 146, 147 engage thekeyways 135, 141 and are retained by the keyways 135, 141 so as to lockthe panels 131, 132 together to form a simple flat joint providing acontinuous planar surface. To disconnect panel 131 from panel 132, thekeyway connector 133 is slid within the passage until the keys 146, 147no longer engage the keyways 135, 141.

Keyways 135 are fully backed by the joining edge of panel 132 andkeyways 141 are fully backed by the joining edge of panel 131, and soare inherently strong for the reasons described above.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a panel assembly 230 likeassembly 130 shown in FIG. 11, except that the joint is recessed. Thatis, the first and second panel components 131, 132 have joining edges131 a, 132 a that are in spaced parallel planes to adjoining regions ofthe panels 131, 132, namely panel regions 131 b and 132 b. Preferablythe assembly 230 is made of plastics material, although this need not bethe case.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is shown a panel assembly 330like assembly 230 shown in FIG. 12, except that the keyway connector 233is shaped to provide a continuous smooth surface with panel regions 131b and 132 b. Preferably the assembly 330 is made of plastics material,although this need not be the case.

The keyway connector 233 has a longitudinal body 245, like body 145shown in FIG. 12. The keyway connector 233 also has a longitudinal strip234 and an interconnecting wall 235. Longitudinal strip 234 extendsparallel with body 245 and in the same plane as panel regions 131 b and132 b, so as to provide a continuous smooth surface. Interconnectingwall 235 extends perpendicularly from body 245 to strip 234.

FIG. 13 shows the assembly 330 locked together whereas FIG. 14 shows thekeyway connector 233 in a position whereby its keys 146, 147 do notengage the keyways 135, 141 and the keyway connector 233 may be readilyreleased from the panels 131, 132.

This type of joint is useful for cosmetic facing panels in aircraftcabins, car interior panels or building walls, or formwork or cladding,for example. The recessed joint can also be used to create stiffeningelements when joining two panels, such as structural pillars in cars orchassis boxing, or in panel construction methods.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is shown a panel assembly 80like assembly 330 shown in FIG. 14, except that the keyway connector 81is shaped as a corner piece that provides a continuous surface withdiverging first and second panel components 82, 83. Preferably theassembly 80 is made of plastics material, although this need not be thecase.

The first and second panels 82, 83 each have a joining edge 82 a, 83 athat extend in the same plane when joined together. The first and secondpanels 82, 83 each has a region 82 b, 83 b and these extend away fromone another.

The keyway connector 81 has a longitudinal body 88, an L-shaped wall 92and an interconnecting wall 93. Keys 89 extend from one side of the body88 and keys 90 extend from an opposite side of the body 88. The L-shapedwall 92 has diverging halves that are able to provide continuoussurfaces with panel regions 82 b and 83 b. The interconnecting wall 93extends perpendicularly from the body 88 to L-shaped wall 92.

The key/keyway arrangement of assembly 80 is essentially the same asshown in FIG. 14. However, in brief, a keyway arrangement extends alongthe joining edge 82 a of the first panel 82 and comprises a plurality ofregularly spaced keyways 85. Likewise, a keyway arrangement extendsalong the joining edge 83 a of the second panel 83 and comprises aplurality of regularly spaced keyways 86.

The keyway connector 81 can be inserted laterally and slidelongitudinally within a continuous keyway passage provided by thekeyways 85, 86. Once the keyway connector 81 extends within the passage,it can be slid relative to the keyways 85, 86 until the keys 89, 90engage their respective keyways 85, 86 and are retained by the keyways85, 86 so as to lock the panels 82, 83 together (as shown in FIG. 15).To disconnect panel 82 from panel 83, the keyway connector 81 is slidwithin the passage until the keys 89, 90 no longer engage theirrespective keyways 85, 86 (as shown in FIG. 16).

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown a panel assembly 100 comprisinga first panel component 101, a second panel component 102 and a keywayconnector 103. A keyway arrangement extends along a joining edge of thefirst panel 101 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways106. A keyway arrangement also extends along a joining edge of thesecond panel 102 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways105. Preferably the assembly 100 is made of plastics material, althoughthis need not be the case.

The keyway connector 103 comprises a longitudinal body 107, keys 108extending from one side of the body 107 and keys 109 extending from anopposite side of the body 107.

Keys 108 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 108 matches the spacing of keyways 105.Keys 109 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 109 matches the spacing of keyways 106.Keys 108 and 109 are off-set relative to one another along a length ofthe body 103 in the same manner as keyways 105 and 106 when intermeshed.

Each keyway 105, 106 is in the form of a hook, as described for otherembodiments, The keyways 105, 106 can intermesh with one another suchthat each keyway 105 is straddled by two keyways 106 of the othercomponent. Keyways 105 and 106 intermesh to provide a continuous keywaypassage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways 105,106.

The keyway connector 103 can be inserted laterally and slidelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage. Once the keywayconnector 103 extends within the passage, it can be slid relative to thekeyways 105, 106 until the keys 108, 109 engage the keyways 105, 106 andare retained by the keyways 105, 106 so as to lock the panels 101, 102together to form a tight corner joint. To disconnect panel 101 frompanel 102, the keyway connector 103 is slid within the passage until thekeys 108, 109 no longer engage the keyways 105, 106, as shown in FIG.17.

Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown upper 60 and lower 61 cuboidhalves of a container assembly 59, preferably made of plastics material.Four linear keyway connectors of the assembly 59 have not beenillustrated.

A keyway arrangement extends along a lower joining edge of the upperhalf 60 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 62 (onlysome of which have been labeled). A keyway arrangement also extendsalong an upper joining edge of the lower half 61 and comprises aplurality of regularly spaced keyways 63 (only some of which have beenlabeled).

Each keyway connector comprises a longitudinal body, keys extending fromone side of the body, keys extending from an opposite side of the body,and a handle generally extending from the body between the keys - muchlike the keyway connector shown in FIG. 7.

All of the keys extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another in a castellated manner such that they match the spacing ofkeyways 62 and 63 when intermeshed.

Each keyway connector can be inserted laterally and slid longitudinallywithin a continuous keyway passage 64 when the keys are not positioneddirectly atop the keyways 62, 63. Once a keyway connector extends withinthe passage 64, it can be slid relative to the keyways 62, 63 until thekeys engage and are retained by the keyways 62, 63 so as to lock thecontainer halves 60, 61 together and to form a secure planar joint. Todisconnect the container halves 60, 61 from one another, the keywayconnector is slid within the passage until the keys no longer engage thekeyways 62, 63.

Referring now to FIG. 19, there is shown a container assembly 600(preferably made of plastics material) comprising a container base 601and closure 602 connected together with four keyway connectors 603.

A keyway arrangement extends along an upper joining edge of containerbase 601 and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced hooked keyways604 (only some of which have been labeled). A castellated keywayarrangement also extends along a periphery of closure 602 and comprisesa plurality of regularly spaced (non-hooked) keyways 605 (only some ofwhich have been labeled).

Each keyway connector 603 comprises a longitudinal body 610 with keys611 extending laterally off an upper side of the body. A single key 612extends along a lower side of each body 610. Put another way, the lowerside of the body 610 serves as key 612 and interference fits withkeyways 605.

Keys 611 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother in a castellated manner such that they match the spacing ofkeyways 604 when intermeshed.

Each keyway connector 603 can be inserted laterally and slidlongitudinally within a keyway passage (as described for otherembodiments). Once a keyway connector 603 extends within the passage, itcan be slid relative to the keyways 604, 605 until keys 611 engage andare retained by keyways 604 so as to lock the base 601 and closure 602together and to form a secure planar joint.

Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown a hemispherical reflectorhousing 70 connected to a discoid lens component 75 with a keywayconnector 73. These can be made of any suitable material or materials,such as metal or plastics material. A keyway arrangement havingregularly spaced inwardly facing keyways 71 extends along an outercircumference of the housing 70. A planar surface (not labeled) of thehousing 70 situated beneath the keyway connector 73 functions as anotherkeyway.

The keyway connector comprises a split annular body 76 and an annularcosmetic flange 79 that partially covers keyways 71. The keywayconnector 73 has a series of castellated keys 74 that extend from anupper side of the body 76 and engage a hook of each keyway 71. Acontinuous (un-castellated) key (not labeled) extends along a lower sideof the body 76.

An annular keyway passage extends between keyways 71 and the keywayprovided by the planar surface of the housing 70.

The discoid lens component 75, when inserted into this keyway passage,essentially forms a smaller keyway passage into which the keywayconnector 73 fits. There may be one or more substantially discoidcomponents laminated between this uncastellated keyway surface andkeyway connector 73.

Because of the split in the keyway connector body 76, it can be flexedlaterally under the keyway 71 hooks so that the castellated keys 74 liebetween them prior to extending the keyway connector 73 longitudinallyunderneath the hook shaped keyways 71. This action wedges and retains asmooth edged discoid component 75 between the uncastellated surface ofthe housing 70 and the key/lower side of the keyway connector body 76.

FIG. 21 shows that the connecting mechanism of the present invention canbe used to assemble different shape components into complex structures400 (such as an aircraft wing). These can be made of, for example, metaland/or plastics material.

A cross-shaped keyway connector 401 serves as a bracing and tie element.The keyway connector 401 has four diverging aims and keys 402, 403, 404,405 located at an end of each arm. Keys 402, 403, 404, 405 engage fourdifferent pairs of keyway arrangements 406, 407, 408, 409, whicharrangement pairs 406, 407, 408, 409 connect adjacent arcuate panels410, 411, 412, 413 together. Additional pairs of keyway arrangements416, 417, 418, 419 and keyway connectors 422, 423, 424, 425 provideadditional joint strength as well as rounded external surfaces foraesthetic purposes.

Although not entirely clear from the figure, a single key may extendlaterally off each opposing side of each arm—rather than a plurality ofspaced keys extending laterally off each opposing side of each arm. Thatis, the keyway connectors shown in FIG. 21 need not have castellatedkeys, but can rather can have a leading edge that allows the key to beinserted from one side.

Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown some of the differently shapedkeyways 500 according to the present invention. Each keyway 500 is inthe form of a hook having a connector-support portion 501 and akey-retaining portion 502 (only some of which have been labeled).Depending on the intended application, each key-retaining portion 502may be arcuate and/or angular, provided that it can extend part wayaround a key 503 of a keyway connector,

Referring now to FIG. 23, there is shown two ends 550, 551 of an annularkeyway connector interference fitting together, or two ends 550, 551 ofadjacent keyway connectors interference fitting together. Multiple shortkeyway connectors interference fitting together could be used for largecomponents having a long keyway passage, that could otherwise bedifficult to join together using a single keyway connector.

Referring now to FIG. 24, there is shown a panel assembly 700 comprisingan upper panel component 701, a lower panel component 702 and a keywayconnector 703 (preferably made of plastics material). A keywayarrangement extends along a lower edge of the upper panel 701 andcomprises a plurality of regularly spaced hooked keyways 706. A keywayarrangement also extends along an upper edge of the upper panel 702 andcomprises a plurality of regularly spaced hooked keyways 707. Thekeyways 706, 707 intermesh and provide a keyway passage as previouslydescribed in respect of FIGS. 7 to 10.

The keyway connector 703 comprises an elongate body 709 having across-sectional shape of a rounded oblong (ovoid). Opposing arcuatesides of the body function as keys 708 that can engage and be retainedby the keyways 706, 707. The body 709 has openings 710 for tools forrotating the connector 703 relative to its longitudinal axis through a90 degree rotation, between locking (as seen in FIG. 24) and unlockingpositions. The connector 703 functions as a cam lock.

The keyway connector 703 can be inserted laterally and slidelongitudinally within the keyway passage when in the unlocked position.Once the keyway connector 703 extends within the passage, it can berotated through an angle of about 90 degrees to the locking position, inwhich position the keys 708 forcefully engage the keyways 706, 707 andlock the panels 701, 702 together.

Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown a panel assembly 720 much likeassembly 700. The major differences are that the panel components 721,722 are slightly different and keyways 726, 727 are of smaller width andspacing relative to one another. Also, tools openings are not shown forkeyway connector 728 of the assembly 720. The keyway connector 728 isshown in an unlocked position.

Referring now to FIG. 26, there is shown an assembly 740 comprisingupper 741 and lower 742 arcuate components connected together withkeyway connectors 743. Again, assembly 740 is much like assembly 700.The major differences are that the components 741, 742 and the keywayconnector 743 are arcuate, and keyways 746, 747 are of greater width andspacing relative to one another.

Since the joint is of an arcuate nature, more than one keyway connector743 (or a multi-piece connector) is used. As for assembly 700, eachconnector 743 can be inserted laterally and slide longitudinally withina keyway passage when in an unlocked position. Once the keyway connector743 extends within the passage, it can be rotated through an angle ofabout 90 degrees to a locking position, in which position keys of theconnector 743 forcefully engage the keyways 743, 744 and lock thecomponents 741, 742 together.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 to 30, there is shown an assembly 740comprising two components 741, 742 and a keyway connector 743(preferably made of plastics material). Component 741 has an arcuatepocket 745 having a linear array of slits 744. The pocket 745 also has akeyway arrangement whereby keyways 747 of the arrangement are providedby non-slitted regions of the pocket 745. The keyways 747 extendtransversely of the pocket 745. This can be best seen in FIG. 30.

An edge of component 742 also has a keyway arrangement consisting offour hooked keyways 750. The keyways 750 may be extended into the pocket745 by way of the slits 744.

The keyway connector 743 is essentially the same as connector 709 ofFIG. 24. Opposing arcuate sides of a body of the connector 743 functionas keys that can engage and be retained by the keyways 747. The bodyalso has handles or openings for tools to act as handles for rotatingthe connector 743 relative to its longitudinal axis through a 90 degreerotation, between locking and unlocking positions. The connector 743functions as a cam to lever the keyways apart and lock the joint.

The keyway connector 743 can be inserted laterally and slidelongitudinally within the keyway passage when in the unlocked position.Once the keyway connector 743 extends within the passage, it can berotated through an angle of about 90 degrees to the locking position, inwhich position the keys forcefully engage the keyways 744, 750 and lockthe components 741, 742 together. FIGS. 29 and 30 show the connector 743in the locked position (wing brace joint) whereas FIGS. 27 and 28 showthe connector 743 in the unlocked position. In the locked position, thekeyways 750 bear against a non-slitted region of the pocket 745, as seenin FIG. 30.

The connecting method as exemplified above (except as shown in the FIGS.19, 20 and 21) involves creating a series of intermeshing (castellated)keyways along a jointing face and extending below the joint plane oneach component. The keyways are shaped to retain keys of a keywayconnector. The connector can be made of one or several curved orstraight profiles made to match the profiles of the joint face, and hascomplementary keys which allow it to be inserted between opposingkeyways in such a way that by moving the connector parallel to the jointface the assembly can be positively locked into position, with thekeyways shaped to retain the keys in position when the joint is placed.The keyway connector bends to take the loads imposed by the componentson the joint. This spring tensioning force is an important part of theconnecting mechanism and distinguishes it markedly from a typical hinge,which it superficially resembles. (The hinge pin experiences a shearforce at the junctions of the hinge castellations, rather than aflexural force.)

The present connecting method overcomes several component joiningproblems especially (although not exclusively) for larger plasticcomponents and also has application for smaller components especiallywhere a sealed internal cavity is required. With this connecting methodit is much cheaper and faster to produce injection moulding and pressingmethods can in many circumstances be substituted for more expensive andlimiting rotational moulding, welding, bolting and threading.

The present invention delivers a strong and, if necessary, gas tightjoint that is more robust to shock loads. It is much faster to make thantraditional joining methods and the flexible, but strong, holdingtechnique allows successful joints to be made even where the parts aremade of traditionally incompatible, brittle or innovative compositematerials.

The connecting mechanism is straight forward to produce using existingmass production techniques, such as injection moulding, forging,pressing, casting, fabricating, moulding, extrusion, roll forming,punching and laser cutting.

The present connecting method has the advantage of providing a strongpositive joint and being able to be moulded, wrought or extruded morecheaply than for other joins in a wide variety of applications rangingfrom aviation industry, construction through to buildings and consumerproducts.

Further uses and advantages of the present invention are describedbelow.

The Present Connecting Method Supports Complex Joint Faces and Planes

Unlike a traditional helical thread the present connecting method can bemade to conform to complex shapes involving straight edges and convexand concave multi-radius organic curves, and can even be made to sealnon-planar joints and non-contiguous joint lines which in the past couldonly be joined by bolted flanges or welding. Vehicles, especially carsand planes, are good examples of products which have many such joins andbecause of the limitations of welded, bolted, screwed and riveted joinsthey are expensive to mass produce and especially to repair afterstructural damage. It also means that they can not be easily made ofmore light weight flexible materials like injection moulded plastics orplastic/fibre composites or pressed or cast carbon fibre compositeswithout much greater expense. Joint planes are often a weak point inlarge designs because they provide an opportunity for shear stressesalong a flat plane. Threaded joints have the disadvantage that they caneither over tighten or unscrew when deployed on a driven shaft and grubscrews and conventional keyways damage or interfere with thread sealsand can shear off under load. The present connecting method allowscomponents to be designed for high torque joints that substitute muchmore robust compressive forces for shear forces through the use ofserrated, castellated, sinuous or even randomly juxtapositioned joint“planes”.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for Multi-component andMulti-material Interlocking Joins

Multi-component interfaces can also be constructed using the presentconnecting method that would be virtually impossible to mould because ofundercuts and parting plane complexity. Joints can be constructed usingone material or completely dissimilar materials. For example, one jointcomponent in a multi-component assembly could be made of ceramics, oneof metal and one of plastic, and the keyway connector could be made ofyet another material to achieve different structural outcomes for eachjoint.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for Tailored Joint Rigidity

In some cases a very rigid inflexible joint may be required, so thecomponents could be made of very high tensile materials and more keywayand keyway connector interference could be designed so that the joint isprestressed when locked up to compensate for the forces expected whenthe joint is under stress. In other cases a flexible joint that canwithstand and flex under shock loads is required so a tough but elasticmaterial would be chosen for the keyway connector or components.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for a Join Without Reorienting theKey Components

Many dissimilar non-weldable materials are joined in electrical andautomotive assemblies. Insulating plastics and metals are a goodexample. The components can often not be screwed together becauseconnecting wires will tangle short circuit or break if rotated so thecomponents are either over-moulded or crimped together making themdisposable items, even though they could easily be repaired were it notfor the difficulty of opening and resealing the joints. The keywayconnector joint would be a much better way to provide a positivenon-screwed joint where the keyway connector moves but the componentsremain in the correct relationship to each other.

The Present Connecting Method Promotes Higher Levels of Reuse

Another application for the present connecting method is for reusableplastic pails. The seals between the lid and buckets, once broken, arenot suitable for storing hazardous or messy materials. They also have alimited life span as the plastic relaxes over time and can leak air in,which could react with the contents, or the contents could leak out.Making the existing bucket type clip seal more rigid by thickening theprofile or increasing the interference is not always an option as, if itbecomes too stiff, the lid can not be removed manually and levers maypermanently damage the clip or seal. This in practice limits the size ofthe clip seal too, as a larger diameter clip seal will be too hard tounclip. The keyway connector is a much more positive seal and can bereused many times, thus reducing materials consumption. It also enablesa replaceable spout or funnel to be quickly connected to the rim of thecontainer so that the contents can be decanted to another container moresafely and cleanly.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for Bigger Seals

Because joints utilising the keyway connector can be clamped upincrementally, it is possible to quickly make huge sealed joints thatwould be otherwise impossible to make other than by welding them. Onvery large tanks, for example, plastics are seldom used despite theirsuperior corrosion resistance to metals because they have to befabricated in situ. The present connecting method will allow large tanksto be economically constructed using prefabricated panels that can betransported in compact stacks and assembled quickly on site as itdoesn't require expensive and noisy generators or heavy batteries as hotwire, butt or hot air seam welding does.

The Present Connecting Method Provides Structural Bracing

On large diameter water tanks the internal force of water will tend toopen up joints and stretch the wall material. Because the keyway can bedesigned to wedge parts together in two directions so that the keywayconnector itself can be wedged into high friction contact with theparts, so the keyway connector can be made to act like a continuouslateral rib providing enormous hoop strength and stiffness to astructure and can even be used to create a box girder construction toincrease stiffness without greatly increasing cost or wall thickness.This is particularly important where the box beam constructed is to beused as sacrificial or reusable formwork for long spans in building andconstruction applications such as, for example, bridge beams, structuralgirders, light or power poles, elevated water header towers,multi-storey building shells and suspended flooring.

Long curvilinear beams in particular can be constructed in situ usinglightweight plastic formwork that can even be hollow to save materialsand then have reinforced concrete pumped into it in a continuousoperation. In corrosive or highly saline or seaside environments, wherecorrosion of concrete reinforcing steel is a billion dollar problem, thesealed formwork can simply be sacrificed to permanently protect theconcrete.

Passages can be moulded into the formwork for reinforcing steel, oralternative reinforcing materials such as high tensile plastic strappingmaterials can be used and by sequential casting of multiple cavityformwork, the reinforcing materials can be prestressed in situ.Aesthetic patterns can be cast or moulded into the surface of visiblesacrificial formwork, or onto the relief side of reusable formwork.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for Greater Transport Efficiency

Transportation of large tanks and components is very expensive, as theyare inherently bulky. There is a heavy greenhouse gas emissionassociated with essentially moving air large distances. The presentconnecting method will allow tanks to be cheaply transported in nestedstacks or panels that can be assembled at or near the final destination.

The Present Connecting Method Supports Much Greater Design Flexibility

Modern vernacular architecture is boxy and boring predominantly becauseof the horrendous cost of fabricating complex surface formwork. The hugecost blow out on the construction of the iconic Sydney Opera House is asalient reminder to architects and subconsciously informs theirconservative rectilinear designs. Complex compound shell structures canbecome as affordable as more staid design by using the presentconnecting method. Extremely complex forms can be fabricated andreplicated in a variety of arrays using a suite of tangentiallyinterfacing interlocking panel forms. Light weight and rapid totransport and erect shell structures can be made for prefabricatedplastic housing for temporary shelters in refugee or other humanitarianhousing crisis situations. And by burying structural shells, passivesuper energy efficient earth sheltered structures could be made moreaffordable than conventional prefabricated box construction houses.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for Extruded Components

Where long wall profiles are required, such as in large diameter tanks,the wall profile can be extruded and the keyways either punched offduring extrusion or co-moulded. This will allow very large wall sectionsto be made of any material that can be extruded, such as various gradesand alloys of aluminium, steel, plastic and the like. It would even bepractical to construct low cost pressure vessels or large undergroundstorage tanks using this technique.

The Present Connecting Method Allows for Securing Smooth EdgedComponents

Where it is required to attach a smooth edged component such as aspotlight lens into a reflector housing, for instance, a keyway passagecan be formed which has one side formed by the smooth edge and the otherside formed by the castellated hooks of the keyway arrangement. Thekeyway connector would then only have keys arranged on one side. Such anarrangement is illustrated in FIG. 20.

The there are some cases where there are advantages from using anon-castellated keyway connector which has a singe key on each side ofthe keyway connector. If the frictional forces are high however from theinterference fit into the keyway it may be impossible to draw the keywayconnector through a long keyway passage. An alternative is to shape thekeyway in the form of a cam that can be easily inserted between thekeyways when twisted 90 degrees from its locked position. Locking canthen be accomplished by rotating the key 90 degrees in either directionafter insertion, FIGS. 24-30 illustrate this embodiment. Depending onthe flexibility of the locking keyway connector and the diameter of anannular keyway passage it is still possible to employ this method. Thenatural memory of the flexible keyway connectors can be employed toadvantage to stabilize the keyway connector from rolling and allowingthe joint to loosen. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 26.

There is often a need to join the edge of one part to the face ofanother. In this application the two parts can be stitched together bypunching a linear array of slots across the sheet to allow the hookshaped keyway ends to penetrate through and be locked in position by anysuitable keyway connector as illustrated in FIGS. 27-30 (the wing bracejoint). The joint could be recessed and keyway connector could also havea cosmetic face so that the joint results in a smooth surface profile aswould be required for aerodynamic structural elements.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-36 there is show a slip flange assembly 1001for connecting respective flanged ends of two pipes 1002, 1003 together.

The slip flange assembly 1001 comprises a first collar 1004, a secondcollar 1008 and a two-part keyway connector 1015, as seen in FIG. 31.

The first collar 1004 has a keyway arrangement 1005 extending from acircumference of the collar 1004. The keyway arrangement 1005 comprisesa plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1006 (only some of which havebeen labeled).

The second collar 1008 has a keyway arrangement 1009 extending along acircumference of the collar 1008. The keyway arrangement 1009 comprisesa plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1010 (only some of which havebeen labeled).

The keyway connector 1015 is in the form of a split ring 1015 having afirst set of keys 1016 (only some of which have been labeled) extendingfrom one side of the ring 1015 and a second set of keys 1017 (only someof which have been labeled) extending from an opposite side of the ring1015 (as seen in FIG. 31).

Keys 1016 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 1016 matches the spacing of keyways 1010.Keys 1017 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another. The spacing of keys 1017 matches the spacing of keyways1006. Key 1016 and 1017 are off-set relative to one another along alength of the ring 1015 in the same manner as keyways 1006 and 1010 whenintermeshed.

Each keyway 1006, 1010 is in the form of a hook clip having aconnector-support portion and a key-retaining portion 1019 a, 1019 b (asseen in FIG. 31). Each key-retaining portion 1019 a, 1019 b may extendaround a key 1016, 1017 of the keyway connector 1015.

As shown in FIGS. 33-36, the keyways 1006, 1010 of the keywayarrangements 1005, 1009 can intermesh with one another to provide acontinuous keyway passage extending around the pipes 1002, 1003 betweenthe intermeshed keyways 1006, 1010.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the two-part keyway connector 1015 isinsertable longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage when thekeys 1016, 1017 are not positioned directly atop the keyways 1006, 1010.Once inserted, each key-retaining portion 1019 a, 1019 b is potentiallypositioned to extend around a key 1016, 1017. This is best seen in FIG.36.

Once the keyway connector 1015 extends within the passage, it can beslid relative to the keyways 1006, 1010 until the keys 1016, 1017 engagethe keyways 1006, 1010 and are retained by the keyways 1006, 1010, so asto lock the flanged ends of the pipes 1002, 1003 together. This is shownin FIG. 36. To disconnect the flanged ends of the pipes 1002, 1003, thekeyway connector 1015 is slid within the passage until the keys 1016,1017 no longer engage the keyways 1006, 1010, as seen in FIG. 35.

Referring now to FIGS. 37 to 42, there is shown a slip flange assembly1020 for connecting ends of two pipes 1021, 1022 together.

The slip flange assembly 1020 comprises a first collar 1023, a secondcollar 1024, a keyway connector 1025, a castellated flange 1026connected to the end of pipe 1021, and a castellated flange 1027connected to the end of pipe 1022, as seen in. FIGS. 37 and 38.

Castellated flange 1026 is connected to the end of pipe 1021 withadhesive. The flange 1026 has castellations 1044 spaced along its outercircumference.

Likewise, castellated flange 1027 is connected to the end of pipe 1022with adhesive. The flange 1027 has castellations 1045 spaced along itsouter circumference.

The first collar 1023 has a keyway arrangement 1030 extending from anouter circumference of the collar 1023. The keyway arrangement 1030comprises a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1031 (only some ofwhich have been labeled). The first collar 1023 has recesses 1048regularly spaced along its inner circumference, for snugly receivingcastellations 1044. The first collar 1023 also has indents 1050regularly spaced along its outer circumference.

The second collar 1024 has a keyway arrangement 1033 extending along acircumference of the collar 1024. The keyway arrangement 1033 comprisesa plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1034 (only some of which havebeen labeled). The second collar 1024 has recesses 1049 regularly spacedalong its inner circumference, for snugly receiving castellations 1045.The second collar 1024 also has indents 1051 regularly spaced along itsouter circumference.

The keyway connector 1025 is in the form of a ring 1025 having spacedapart keys 1037 (only some of which have been labeled) extending alongan inner circumference of the ring 1025, from one side of the ring 1025to the other (as best seen in FIG. 37). The regular spacing of keys 1037matches the spacing of keyways 1031 and 1034. Each keyway 1031, 1034 isin the form of a hook clip having a connector-support portion and akey-retaining portion 1040 a, 1040 b (as seen in FIG. 37). Eachkey-retaining portion 1040 a, 1040 b may extend around a key 1037 of thekeyway connector 1025.

In order to lock the two pipes 1021, 1022 together, first thecastellated flanges 1026, 1027 are brought into contact with oneanother, such that the castellations 1044, 1045 are offset relative toone another, as seen in FIG. 38.

As shown in FIGS. 39-41, the keyways 1031, 1034 of the keywayarrangements 1030, 1033 are then made to intermesh with one another toprovide a continuous keyway passage extending around the castellatedflanges 1026, 1027. When intermeshed, each key-retaining portion 1040 arests within each indent 1051. Likewise, each key-retaining portion 1040b rests within each indent 1050.

As shown in FIG. 41, the keyway connector 1025 is then slid through gapsbetween keys 1031 and 1034, until the keyway connector 1025 extendslongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage. Once the keywayconnector 1025 extends within the passage, it can be rotated relative tothe keyways 1031, 1034 until the keys 1037 engage the keyways 1031, 1034and are retained by the keyways 1031, 1034 so as to lock the flangedends of the pipes 1021, 1022 together. This is shown in FIG. 42. Todisconnect the flanged ends of the pipes 1021, 1022, the keywayconnector 1025 is rotated within the passage until the keys 1037 nolonger engage the keyways 1031, 1034.

Referring now to FIGS. 43 to 50, there is shown joined panel assemblies1070 (see FIGS. 48 to 50) comprising a first panel assembly, a secondpanel assembly, a keyway connector 1100, and components thereof. Thesecan be made of metal or plastics material, for example.

FIG. 45 shows that the first panel assembly comprises a panel 1071 and akeyway arrangement 1079. The panel 1071 has an upturned longitudinal end1077 that provides a groove 1078. The keyway arrangement 1079 comprisesan elongate body 1083 and a plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1080extending from the body 1083. Each keyway 1080 has connector-supportportion 1081 a and a key-retaining portion 1082 a. The body 1083 has astepped periphery such that there is a clearance between a thinnerlongitudinal portion 1085 of the body 1083 and each key 1080 (see FIG.45). As seen in FIG. 46, the thinner longitudinal portion 1085 of thebody 1083 is snugly received into the groove 1078.

FIGS. 47-49 show that the second panel assembly comprises a panel 1072and a keyway arrangement 1090. Like panel 1071, panel 1072 has anupturned longitudinal end 1091 that provides a groove 1092 (see FIGS. 44to 46). The keyway arrangement 1090 comprises an elongate body 1096 anda plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1097 extending from the body1096. Each keyway 1097 has connector-support portion 1081 b and akey-retaining portion 1082 b, as seen in FIG. 47. Like body 1083, body1096 has a stepped periphery such that there is a clearance between athinner longitudinal portion of the body 1096 and each key 1097. As seenin FIG. 47, the thinner longitudinal portion of the body 1096 is snuglyreceived into the groove 1092.

As seen in FIGS. 48 to 50, the keyway connector 1100 comprises a flatlongitudinal body 1101 and keys 1102 extending from one side of the body1101, and keys 1103 extending from an opposite side of the body 1101.

Keys 1102 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 1102 matches the spacing of keyways 1080.Keys 1103 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another. The spacing of keys 1103 matches the spacing of keyways1097. Keys 1102 and 1103 are off-set relative to one another along alength of the body 1101 in the same manner as keyways 1080 and 1097 whenintermeshed.

The keyways 1080, 1097 can intermesh with one another such that eachkeyway 1080 is straddled by keyways 1097 of the other arrangement.Keyways 1080 and 1097 intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage1110 extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways 1080, 1097(the arrow as seen in FIG. 47).

The keyway connector 1100 can be inserted and slid longitudinally withinthe continuous keyway passage 1110, as seen in FIG. 48. Once inserted,each key-retaining portion 1082 a, 1082 b is potentially positioned toextend around a key 1102, 1103. This is best seen in FIGS. 48, 49 and50.

Once the keyway connector 1100 extends within the passage 1110, it canbe slid relative to the keyways 1080, 1097 until the keys 1102, 1103engage the keyways 1080, 1097 and are retained by the keyways 1080, 1097so as to lock the panels 1070, 1071 together to form a tight joint. Todisconnect panel 1070 from panel 1071, the keyway connector 1100 is slidwithin the passage 1110 until the keys 1102, 1103 no longer engage thekeyways 1080, 1097.

FIGS. 51-54 show a plastic slip flange assembly 1301 for connectingrespective flanged ends of two plastic pipes 1302, 1303 together.

The slip flange assembly 1301 comprises a first collar 1304, a secondcollar 1308 and a keyway connector 1315, as seen in FIGS. 51-53.

The first collar 1304 has a keyway arrangement 1305 extending from acircumference of the collar 1304. The keyway arrangement 1305 comprisesa plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1306 (only some of which havebeen labeled).

The second collar 1308 has a keyway arrangement 1309 extending from acircumference of the collar 1308. The keyway arrangement 1309 comprisesa plurality of regularly spaced keyways 1310 (only some of which havebeen labeled).

The keyway connector 1315 is in the form of a ring 1315 having a firstset of keys 1316 (only some of which have been labeled) extending fromone side of the ring 1315 and a second set of keys 1317 (only some ofwhich have been labeled) extending from an opposite side of the ring1315 (as seen in FIG. 51).

Keys 1316 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 1316 matches the spacing of keyways 1310.Keys 1317 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another. The spacing of keys 1317 matches the spacing of keyways1306. Keys 1316 and 1317 are off-set relative to one another along alength of the ring 1315 in the same manner as keyways 1306 and 1310 whenintermeshed.

Each keyway 1306, 1310 is in the form of a hook clip having aconnector-support portion and a key-retaining portion 1319 a, 1319 b (asseen in FIGS. 51 and 53). Each key-retaining portion 1319 a, 1319 b mayextend around a key 1316, 1317 of the keyway connect or 1315.

As shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the keyways 1306, 1310 of the keywayarrangements 1305, 1309 can intermesh with one another to provide acontinuous keyway passage extending around the pipes 1302, 1303 betweenthe intermeshed keyways 1306, 1310.

As shown in FIGS. 51 to 53, the keyway connector 1315 also comprisescurved recesses 1320 between the keys 1316, 1317 that help the keywayconnector 1315 ride over the keyways 1306, 1310 when the keywayconnector 1315 is inserted into the continuous keyway passage. It canalso be seen from FIG. 52 that the keyway connector 1315 is insertablelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage when the keys 1316,1317 are not positioned directly atop the keyways 1306, 1310. Onceinserted, each key-retaining portion 1319 a, 1319 b is potentiallypositioned to extend around a key 1316, 1317. This is best seen in FIG.53.

Once the keyway connector 1315 extends within the passage, it can beslid relative to the keyways 1306, 1310 until the keys 1316, 1317 engagethe keyways 1306, 1310 and are retained by the keyways 1306, 1310, so asto lock the flanged ends of the pipes 1302, 1303 together. This is shownin FIG. 53. To disconnect the flanged ends of the pipes 1302, 1303, thekeyway connector 1315 is slid within the passage until the keys 1316,1317 no longer engage the keyways 1306, 1310 (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 54 respective collars 1304, 1308 (single collar shown)comprise mating flanges 1321 that engage the flanged ends 1322 (shown inFIG. 51) of plastic pipes 1302 and 1303. When in mating arrangementflanges 1321 and 1322 secure collars 1304 and 1308 to the respectiveends of pipes 1302 and 1303 and also help to form a seal around thecircumference of each pipe 1302, 1303.

Referring now to FIGS. 55 to 57, there is shown a panel assembly 1370comprising a first panel 1371, a second panel 1372 and a keywayarrangement 1373, 1374 extending along an abutting corrugated edge ofeach panel 1371, 1372. These can be made of metal or plastics material,for example.

Each keyway 1380, 1397 of each keyway arrangement 1373, 1374 has aconnector-support portion 1381 a, 1381 b and a key-retaining portion1382 a, 1382 b.

As seen in FIGS. 55 to 57, a keyway connector 1390 of the assembly 1370comprises a flat longitudinal body 1401 and keys 1402 extending from oneside of the body 1401, and keys 1403 extending from an opposite side ofthe body 1401.

Keys 1402 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced from oneanother. The spacing of keys 1402 matches the spacing of keyways 1380.Keys 1403 also extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another. The spacing of keys 1403 matches the spacing of keyways1397. Keys 1402 and 1403 are off-set relative to one another along alength of the body 1401 in the same manner as keyways 1380 and 1397 whenintermeshed.

The keyways 1380, 1397 can intermesh with one another such that eachkeyway 1380 is straddled by keyways 1397 of the other arrangement.Keyways 1380 and 1397 intermesh to provide a continuous keyway passage1410 extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways 1380, 1397(the arrow as seen in FIG. 56).

The keyway connector 1390 can be inserted and slid longitudinally withinthe continuous keyway passage 1410, as seen in FIG. 56. Once inserted,each key-retaining portion 1382 a, 1382 b is potentially positioned toextend around a key 1402, 1403,

Once the keyway connector 1390 extends within the passage 1410, it canbe slid relative to the keyways 1380, 1397 until the keys 1402, 1403engage the keyways 1380, 1397 and are retained by the keyways 1380, 1397so as to lock the panels 1370, 1371 together to form a tight joint. Todisconnect panel 1370 from panel 1371, the keyway connector 1390 is slidwithin the passage 1410 until the keys 1402, 1403 no longer engage thekeyways 1380, 1397.

A method of joining components of various shapes and cross sectionalprofiles (polygonal, round, oval or freeform) is described in FIGS. 1 to30. The joint disclosed largely overcomes the problems with conventionalbolted flange type joints and, in addition, has the advantages of usingless materials for the same strength, being faster to assemble anddisassemble and, importantly, virtually eliminating human error inachieving correct joint tensioning,

One or more of these embodiments, however, have the disadvantage thatthe joint can only be made by bringing the two faces to be joinedtogether longitudinally. The projecting castellations/keyways mayprevent the two faces from being brought together laterally as isrequired for lift out valves and other such pipe applications, inparticular. This constraint could prevent use of those embodiments inthese types of applications.

The embodiments of the invention described herein in FIGS. 31-36 and37-42 overcome this limitation by constructing a curved, straight and ortwisted joining strip that can be bonded to or more simply mechanicallyengaged against an adjoining hook or stepped surface that is formed on apart parallel to and displaced to either or both sides of the partjoining faces. This hooked or stepped surface should ideally be shapedso that under load the strip anchor surfaces are drawn into tighterengagement with the body of the parts to be joined and so there shouldpreferably be an acute rather than an obtuse angle on the surfacedesigned to anchor the tensile forces generated by the joint engagement.This arrangement obviates the need for the two materials to bechemically or physically bonded together and indeed allows the joint soformed to be easily disassembled if required.

Importantly, these embodiments allow for very complex surface matinggeometry such as saw tooth, corrugated or castellated mating surfaces tobe constructed using simple fabrication techniques such as folding orrolling of metal edges to form a hook on the mating edges. The stripscan be applied after the mating surfaces are engaged and can be removedbefore they are disengaged. The alignment of the castellationslongitudinally becomes non-critical as the strips can be slidlongitudinally into engagement during assembly.

For applications to flat panels (as per the embodiment shown in FIGS. 43to 50), in particular such as knock down furniture, a dovetail groovecan be formed into the wooden or fibre composite panel and a matchingdovetail anchor on the strip can be slid into the grove. The advantagesof this arrangement are that under high stress loading on the joint thebending moment on the hooks tends to exert beneficial forces back intothe part thus helping counteract the opposing bending moment which wouldotherwise tend to flex the anchor away from the body of the part. Thisis important in that it allows the strip to be applied during assemblyas manageable segments of varying length thus making it applicable to awider range of industrial joining situations. It also means thematerials used can be more varied. The strip could be mass produced of amaterial that was physically or chemically incompatible with the partbut can still form a good joint even though the parts can't be glued orwelded. For example an extruded or injection moulded thermoplastic stripcould be mass produced then cut to the correct length and rapidlyapplied to a metal sheet with a tightly folded hook along its edge toengage and anchor a strip. See the embodiment of FIGS. 43 to 50, forexample. Alternatively, plastic parts could have a steel strip appliedthat used yet a third material with desirable properties for the key. Insonic circumstances it will be an advantage for the anchoring hook partof the joining strip to be clipped into and retained firmly by a matingsurface or groove in the anchoring region of the part so that multiplestrips can be applied and remain in place until the key is used toengage and lock together the whole assembly. The same effect can beachieved by creating a variety of interlocking male and female shapes oneach end of a keyway strip such that the sections of strip are heldtogether in the correct relationship and do not move out of alignmentduring the locking up of the joint. In its most fundamental embodimentthe keyway castellations could consist of a single keyway hook segmentwith an anchoring hook on the opposite end and a male mating portion onone side of the anchoring hook and female mating portion on the oppositeside so that the two parts dovetail together with adjacent castellationslike pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to form a long strip that can mesh with asimilar longitudinal strip to form a keyway that can accept a key tolock the joint up securely. Correctly shaped a keyway so formed couldsuit straight line joints as well as a variety of radial curves (such aspipes) or longitudinal curves (flat or spirally curved joints)

An alternative method of achieving the objective of a lateral approachjoint that has similar industrial applicability is to apply a series ofdouble ended castellated hooks or longitudinal assemblies of hooks tocreate a double keyway. In this case two keys are required to completethe joint. To reduce the number of parts involved the two keys can beformed as one part if this is desirable.

A further refinement of this principle is illustrated in FIGS. 37-42 andcomprises an embodiment where the keyway hooks 1031 and 1032 are spacedapart sufficiently to allow a type of key having a series of keys 1037attached below the keyway connector body 1025 to be inserted over thekeyway hooks and then moved into a locked position in the normal way forthis technology. While this principle could be used for straight joints,it is particularly applicable for circular joints such as pipes andfittings where the key can be constructed as a single piece ofrelatively inflexible material that can be moved over a pipe jointlongitudinally and then rotated circumferentially with appropriatemechanical advantage to lock up the joint securely in one operation. Forgreater servicing and assembly convenience the slip flange arrangementillustrates how the pipe flanges 1026 and 1027 can be made ofcastellated segments 1044 and 1045 that allow gaps 1048 and 1049 in theflange keyway anchor hook arrangement to pass over these castellatedsegments of the pipe but rotated to anchor the keyway hook arrangement1023 and 1024 in position. This anchoring alignment can be preservedduring tightening by inserting keys into one or more of gaps 1048 and1049.

Yet further embodiments of the invention are described below.

FIGS. 58-63 show a further connecting mechanism 1501 comprising twokeyway arrangements 1502 a, 1502 b and a keyway connector 1503 forconnecting two tubular members 1504, 1505 together. These are made, forexample, of metal, an alloy, plastics material, ceramics or rubber(including steel or polyurethane), or any combination of these either asseparate components for assembly or as one component by way of casting,molding or similar methods.

Each keyway arrangement 1502 has a body in the form of a collar 1520 andsix regularly spaced keyways 1521 extending from a circumference of thecollar 1520 and generally parallel with a central axis of the collar1520. The keyways 1521 have the general appearance of a sine waveformhaving both peaks and troughs. It is to be appreciated that the keywayarrangement could have any suitable number of spaced keyways, it neednot be six. Also, rather than a sine waveform, the keyways could haveany general appearance, for example a square, tapered-peak, triangle orsawtooth waveform.

The keyway connector 1503 has a body in the form of a ring 1530, a firstset of six keys 1531 (only some of which have been labeled) extendingfrom one side of the ring 1530, a second set of six keys 1532 (only someof which have been labeled) extending from an opposite side of the ring1530, and a handle 1533 extending from the ring 1530.

Keys 1531, 1532 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another, matching the spacing of the keyways 1521. Keys 1531 and1532 are off-set relative to one another along a length of the ring 1530in the same manner as keyways 1521 when intermeshed.

The keyway connector 1503 further comprises a travel stop 1527projecting from the ring body 1530 adjacent each key 1531, 1532.

As seen in FIG. 60, each keyway 1521 is in the form of a hook cliphaving a connector-support portion 1524 and a key-retaining portion1525. A hook 1526 of each key-retaining portion 1525 can extend partwayaround a key 1531, 1532 of the keyway connector 1503.

As shown in FIGS. 59, 62 and 63, the keyways 1521 of the keywayarrangements 1502 a, 1502 b can intermesh with one another to provide acontinuous keyway passage extending around the tubular members 1504,1505 between the intermeshed keyways 1521. The keyway connector 1503 isinsertable longitudinally within the continuous keyway passage when thekeys 1531, 1532 are not positioned directly atop the keyways 1521.

Once the keyway connector ring body 1530 extends within the keywaypassage, it can be slid/rotated relative to the keyways 1521 until thekeys 1531, 1532 engage the keyways 1521 and are retained by the hooks1526 of the keyways 1521, so as to lock the keyway arrangements 1502 a,1502 b together. Travel stops 1527 prevent the ring body 1530 from beingrotated further than required.

FIGS. 62 and 63 show how the connecting mechanism 1501 can be used toconnect two tubular members 1504, 1505 together, end 1543 to end 1553.Tubular member 1505 has an end 1553 flange 1550. Tubular member 1504 isa pipe having an end 1543 lacking a flange. The diameters of tubularmembers 1504 and 1505 differ.

In use, keyway connector 1502 a is adhered/glued/welded or otherwiseaffixed to tubular member 1504, or cast or molded or similar as oneunitary component combining 1504, 1520, 1521, 1526 and 1543. Keywayconnector 1502 b is adhered/glued/welded or otherwise affixed to theflange 1550 of tubular member 1505. The purpose of the flange 1550 is tocompensate for the differing diameter of the tubular members 1504, 1505.The flange 1550 could be a ring that is itself connectable to thetubular member 1505. That is, it need not be of unitary constructionwith the tubular member 1505.

The keyways 1521 are then intermeshed such that the ends 1543, 1553abut. The keyway connector 1503 is then slid along or over one of thetubular members 1504, 1505 and into the keyway passage. The keys 1531,1532 are then rotated into engagement with the hooks 1526 of the keyways1521.

To disconnect the ends 1543, 1553 of the tubular members 1504, 1505, thekeyway connector 1503 is rotated within the keyway passage until thekeys 1531, 1532 no longer engage the keyways 1521.

Referring now to FIGS. 64 to 68, there is shown a panel assembly 1506comprising a first panel 1507 a, a second panel 1507 b, a keywayarrangement 1508 a, 1508 b extending along an edge 1570 of each panel1507 a, 1507 b, and a keyway connector 1509. These are made, forexample, of metal, an alloy, plastics material, ceramics or rubber(including steel or polyurethane), or any combination of these either asseparate components for assembly or as one component by way of casting,molding or similar methods. Panels 1507 a and 1507 b are illustratedhere each of unitary construction. Although not illustrated, the panels1507 a, 1507 b can be of indefinite length.

Each keyway arrangement 1508 has a body in the form of a strip 1580 andregularly spaced keyways 1581 (only some of which have been labeled)extending from the strip body 1580 and generally within the plane of thestrip body 1580. The keyways 1581 have the general appearance of a sinewaveform, having both peaks and troughs.

The keyway connector 1509 has a body in the form of a strip 1590, afirst set of keys 1591 (only some of which have been labeled) extendingfrom one side of the strip 1590 and a second set of keys 1592 (only someof which have been labeled) extending from an opposite side of the strip1590.

Keys 1591, 1592 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another, matching the spacing of the keyways 1581. Keys 1591, 1592are off-set relative to one another along a length of the strip 1590 inthe same manner as keyways 1581 when intermeshed.

As seen in FIGS. 67 and 68, each keyway 1581 is in the form of a hookclip having a connector-support portion 1584 and a key-retaining portion1585. A hook 1586 of each key-retaining portion 1585 can extend partwayaround a key 1591, 1592 of the keyway connector 1509.

As shown in FIGS. 64 and 65, the keyways 1581 of the keyway arrangements1508 a, 1508 b can intermesh with one another to provide a continuouskeyway passage extending between the intermeshed keyways 1581. Thekeyway connector 1509 is insertable longitudinally within the continuouskeyway passage. Once the keyway connector strip body 1590 extends withinthe keyway passage, it can be slid relative to the keyways 1581 untilthe keys 1591, 1592 engage the keyways 1585 and are retained by thehooks 1586 of the keyways 1581, so as to lock the keyway arrangements1508 a, 1508 b together. As seen in FIG. 65, when connected, theintermeshed keyways 1581 support one another by way of theconnector-support portion 1584.

Referring now to FIGS. 69-71, there is shown a connecting mechanism 1600for joining two planar components (not shown) together and to mask thejoint with a decorative finish. The connecting mechanism 1600 comprisesa first keyway arrangement 1601 a extendable along an edge of a firstplanar component, a second keyway arrangement 1601 b extendable along asecond planar component and a keyway connector 1603. These are made, forexample, of metal, an alloy, plastics material, ceramics or rubber(including steel or polyurethane), or any combination of these either asseparate components for assembly or as one component by way of casting,molding or similar methods. Although not illustrated, the keywayarrangements 1601 a, 1601 b and keyway connector 1603 can be ofindefinite length.

Each keyway arrangement 1601 a, 1601 b has a body in the form of a strip1604 a, 1604 b and regularly spaced keyways 1605 a, 1605 b (only some ofwhich have been labeled) extending from the strip body 1604 a, 1604 b.The keyways 1605 a, 1605 b have the general appearance of a sinewaveform, having both peaks and troughs.

Each strip 1604 a, 1604 b body has openings 1610 a, 1610 b for fasteners(eg. screws, nails or rivets) for secure fastening to the planarcomponents. Alternatively each strip 1604 a, 1604 b body can be fastenedto a planar component using double-sided adhesive tape that is locatablewithin a channel/groove 1611 a, 1611 b of each strip 1604 a, 1604 bbody.

The keyway connector 1603 has an elongate rounded cover 1614 having anenclosed end 1615 and an elongate body 1616 extending from the cover1614. The keyway connector 1603 has a first set of keys 1617 extendingfrom one side of the body 1616 and a second set of keys 1618 extendingfrom an opposite side of the body 1616. (only some of which have beenlabeled)

Keys 1617, 1618 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another, matching the spacing of the keyways 1605 a, 1605 b. Keys1617, 1618 are off-set relative to one another along a length of thebody 1616 in the same manner as the keyways 1605 a, 1605 b whenintermeshed.

Each keyway 1605 a, 1605 b is in the form of a hook clip having aconnector-support portion 1606 a, 1606 b and a key-retaining portion1607 a, 1607 b. A hook of each key-retaining portion 1607 a, 1607 b canextend partway around a key 1617, 1618 of the keyway connector 1603.

As shown in FIGS. 70 and 71, the keyways 1605 a, 1605 b of the keywayarrangements 1601 a, 1601 b can intermesh with one another to provide acontinuous keyway passage extending between the intermeshed keyways. Thekeyways 1605 a, 1605 b are supported by the strip 1604 a, 1604 b bodies(within the troughs). The keyway connector body 1616 is insertablelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage. Once the keywayconnector body 1616 extends within the keyway passage, it can be slidrelative to the keyways 1605 a, 1605 b until the keys 1617, 1618 engagethe keyways 1605 a, 1605 b and are retained by the hooks 1607 a, 1607 bof the keyways 1605 a, 1605 b, so as to lock the keyway arrangements1601 a, 1601 b together. When in this position, the cover 1614 hides thejoint and provides a decorative and/or protective finish.

Referring now to FIGS. 72-74, there is shown a connecting mechanism 1700comprising two keyway arrangements 1701 a, 1701 b and a keyway connector1703 for joining two planar components (not shown) together at 90degrees and to mask the joint with a decorative finish.

A first keyway arrangement 1701 a is extendable along an edge of a firstplanar component and a second keyway arrangement 1701 b is extendablealong a second planar component. These together with the keywayconnector 1703 are made, for example, of metal, an alloy, plasticsmaterial, ceramics or rubber (including steel or polyurethane), or anycombination of these either as separate components for assembly or asone component by way of casting, molding or similar methods. Althoughnot illustrated, the keyway arrangements 1701 a, 1701 b and keywayconnector 1703 can be of indefinite length.

Each keyway arrangement 1701 a, 1701 b has a body in the form of a strip1704 a, 1704 b and regularly spaced keyways 1705 a, 1705 b (only some ofwhich are labeled) extending from the strip body 1704 a, 1704 bgenerally at 90 degrees to the strip body 1704 a, 1704 b. The keyways1705 a, 1705 b have the general appearance of a sine waveform, havingboth peaks and troughs.

Each strip 1704 a, 1704 b body has openings 1710 a, 171 Ob for fasteners(eg. screws, nails or rivets) for secure fastening to the planarcomponents. In conjunction with this method, or alternatively each strip1704 a, 1704 b body can be fastened to a planar component usingadhesives or double-sided adhesive tape that is locatable within achannel/groove 1711 a, 1711 b of each strip 1704 a, 1704 b body.

The keyway connector 1703 has an elongate rounded cover 1714 having anenclosed end 1715 and an elongate body 1716 extending from the cover1715. The keyway connector 1703 has a first set of keys 1717 extendingfrom one side of the body 1716 and a second set of keys 1718 extendingfrom an opposite side of the body 1716 (only some of which are labeled).

Keys 1717, 1718 extend in a common plane and are regularly spaced fromone another, matching the spacing of the keyways 1705 a, 1705 b. Keys1717, 1718 are off-set relative to one another along a length of thebody 1716 in the same manner as the keyways 1705 a, 1705 b whenintermeshed.

Each keyway 1705 a, 1705 b is in the form of a hook clip having aconnector-support portion 1706 a, 1706 b and a key-retaining portion1707 a, 1707 b. A hook of each key-retaining portion 1707 a, 1707 b canextend partway around a key 1717, 1718 of the keyway connector 1703.

As shown in FIG. 74, the keyways 1705 a, 1705 b of the keywayarrangements 1701 a, 1701 b can intermesh with one another to provide acontinuous keyway passage extending between the intermeshed keyways. Thekeyways 1705 a, 1705 b are supported by the strip 1704 a, 1704 b bodies(within the troughs). The keyway connector body 1716 is insertablelongitudinally within the continuous keyway passage. Once the keywayconnector body 1716 extends within the keyway passage, it can be slidrelative to the keyways 1705 a, 1705 b until the keys 1717, 1718 engagethe keyways 1705 a, 1705 b and are retained by the hooks of the keyways1705 a, 1705 b, so as to lock the keyway arrangements 1701 a, 1701 btogether. When in this position, the cover 1714 hides the joint andprovides a decorative and/or protective finish.

Advantages of the present invention, particularly as exemplified inFIGS. 58-74 include the following:

-   -   The connecting mechanism's keyway and keyway connector size and        scale can be readily adapted to suit a wide range of technical        applications using a wide range of common or more exotic        materials, thereby giving the connecting mechanism a range of        advantages over fixed sizes and materials of conventional        fasteners and joining methods.    -   The connecting mechanism provides a strong, uniformly loaded        joint along the entire length of the joint providing higher        joint strength advantages over point load reliant joints, eg.        bolted flanges, rivets, screws, pins or similar.    -   The keyway connector can be readily and rapidly secured into        position by moving one component relative to the other by the        distance of one keyway/keyway connector pitch length. (The pitch        length of a keyway is the distance from one keyway sine wave        peak to the adjacent keyway sine wave peak (or trough to        trough). This enables much faster and more convenient joining        and assemblage of, say, joints assembled using traditional        fasteners.    -   The intermeshing keyways (castellations) provide a self-aligning        system to inherently assist in alignment during assembly. This        alignment advantage is further enhanced when using a sine or        other curved profile for the keyway arrangements by way of        smooth curved alignment edges.    -   The connecting mechanism can be either permanent or        non-permanent and can be assembled and disassembled numerous        times. This provides exceptional advantages over traditional        permanent joining methods such as welding, soldering, fusing,        bonding, adhering, glueing or similar methods.    -   By pulling the two or more components together, a range of        forces and secured joint can be applied dependent on the        application.    -   By pulling the two or more components together, a range of        sealing methods, materials and options can be utilised.    -   For high load or pressure applications, the arrangement of the        keyways and keyway connectors provides an advantage to sully        protect and support the sealing method/s therefore providing a        higher pressure advantage over other direct abutment type joints        that may allow the seal to be forced out of the join under        pressure and/or load.    -   The connecting mechanism generally enables rapid and easy        assembly of items.

The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of theinvention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practicedand carried out in various ways and in other embodiments. It is also tobe understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

The term “comprise” and variants of the term such as “comprises” or“comprising” are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integeror stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any otherintegers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation ofthe term is required.

1. A method for connecting at least a first pipe or tube assembly and a second pipe or tube assembly together, wherein each said pipe or tube assembly comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending around an end of a pipe or tube of the pipe or tube assembly and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another, said method comprising the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second pipe or tube assemblies such that the ends of the pipes or tubes abut and the keyways intermesh and extend around and over the ends to provide an annular keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys individually engage and are retained by individual said keyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the pipes or tubes together.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each said keyway arrangement is in the form of a collar that is attachable to or detachable from the end of the respective pipe or tube.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each said end comprises a flange that is attachable to an end of the pipe or tube of the respective pipe or tube assembly,
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein each said end comprises a flange that extends from an end of the pipe or tube and is of unitary construction with said pipe or tube of the respective pipe or tube assembly.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the keyway connector is annular.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each said keyway comprises a connector-support portion and a key-retaining portion, the connector-support portion extending beneath the keyway connector and the key-retaining portion extending around a said key.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein each said keyway is in the form of a hook and each said key is shaped so as to be retained by the hook.
 8. An assembly comprising at least a first pipe or tube assembly, a second pipe or tube assembly and a keyway connector, wherein each said pipe or tube assembly comprises at least one keyway arrangement extending around an end of a pipe or tube of the pipe or tube assembly and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another, wherein the keyway arrangements of the first and second pipe or tube assemblies are aligned such that the ends of the pipes or tubes abut and the keyways intermesh and extend around and over the ends to provide an annular keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways, and the keyway connector comprises an arrangement of keys and extends longitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys individually engage and are retained by individual said keyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the pipes or tubes together.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each said keyway arrangement is in the form of a collar that is attachable to or detachable from the end of the respective pipe or tube.
 10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each said end comprises a flange that is attachable to an end of the pipe or tube of the respective pipe or tube assembly.
 11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each said end comprises a flange that extends from an end of the pipe or tube and is of unitary construction with said pipe or tube of the respective pipe or tube assembly.
 12. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the keyway connector is annular.
 13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein each said keyway comprises a connector-support portion and a key-retaining portion, the connector-support portion extending beneath the keyway connector and the key-retaining portion extending around a said key.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein each said keyway is in the form of a hook and each said key is shaped so as to be retained by the hook.
 15. A method for connecting at least a first component and a second component together, wherein each said component comprises a keyway arrangement in the form of a collar and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another around the collar, said method comprising the steps of: aligning the keyway arrangements of the first and second components such that the keyways intermesh to provide an annular keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways; and extending a keyway connector comprising an arrangement of keys longitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys engage and are retained by the keyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the first and second components together, wherein each of the collars is adapted to extend around and over an end of a respective pipe or tube such that when the first and second components are locked together the ends of the pipes or tubes abut and are locked together.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein each said end comprises a flange that is attachable to a respective end of the pipe or tube.
 17. An assembly comprising at least a first component, a second component and a keyway connector, wherein each said component comprises a keyway arrangement in the form of a collar and keyways of the keyway arrangement are spaced apart from one another around the collar, wherein the keyway arrangements of the first and second components are aligned such that the keyways intermesh to provide an annular keyway passage extending longitudinally between the intermeshed keyways, and the keyway connector comprises an arrangement of keys and extends longitudinally within the keyway passage such that the keys engage and are retained by the keyways of the keyway arrangements to lock the first and second components together, wherein each of the collars is adapted to extend around and over an end of a respective pipe or tube such that when the first and second components are locked together the ends of the pipes or tubes abut and are locked together.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein each said end comprises a flange that is attachable to a respective end of the pipe or tube. 